Have you been invited by family, friends, or acquaintances to beautiful Switzerland and need a visitor visa? Nationals from 104 countries require a visa and need a Schengen visa even for a short visit to Switzerland. Learn how to apply for a Swiss visa and what documents and additional papers you need for a visitor visa.
How to Apply for a Swiss Visa?
In general, for a short-term stay in the Schengen area, limited to a maximum of 90 days within a 180-day period, you need to apply for a Schengen Visa Type C. As this is for short-term stays, this Schengen visa is perfect for visits, business trips, and tourism in Switzerland and the entire Schengen zone. In the visa application, you will specify the purpose of your trip. You can apply for the Schengen visa for Switzerland online or in person at a Swiss foreign representation in your country of residence. The Swiss Online Visa System provides information on the process for your specific location.
What to Keep in Mind When Applying for a Visitor Visa?
If you wish to apply for a visitor visa for Switzerland, submit an application for the Swiss C Visa. In the application form, select "Visit" as the reason for travel. Detailed, country-specific instructions are available on the Swiss Online Visa System page. Your nationality and lawful residence determine the visa application process. For a visitor visa to Switzerland, you will additionally need to submit an invitation letter and, if necessary, a declaration of commitment.
Invitation Letter for Swiss Visitor Visa: What to Know?
The invitation letter for the Swiss visitor visa serves to confirm the purpose of your visit. Generally speaking, the more detailed information you provide, the higher the chances of your visitor visa for Switzerland being granted! The invitation letter should be written by your host in Switzerland in one of the official Swiss languages (i.e., German, French, or Italian). The letter does not need to follow a specific format, but it must contain all relevant details to ensure the visitor visa can be approved!
Invitation Letter for Swiss Visitor Visa: What Should Be Included?
- The host states that they have invited the applicant and are expecting them
- Complete information about both the host and the applicant (i.e., nationality, name, address, date of birth, email address, and phone number)
- Details about the visit's duration
- Date of issuance and the host's signature
Since there is no specific template for an invitation letter, the Swiss State Secretariat for Migration has created a helpful information sheet to assist you in preparing the invitation form.
Tip for Preparing the Invitation Letter: Provide as much information as possible about the relationship between the host and the applicant. Explain the familial or friendship ties in detail and outline the specifics of the visit!
Swiss Visitor Visa: Tips for the Host
As a host, you prepare the invitation letter for your visitor and send it either as an original or a copy to the applicant. In addition to the invitation letter, you may also need to provide a declaration of commitment if the applicant cannot cover their stay in Switzerland and the Schengen area independently. If funds are insufficient, the declaration of commitment is the only way for the applicant to obtain a Swiss visitor visa. If you also wish to cover the travel health insurance for your guest, AXA-Schengen offers an incoming travel insurance policy that the host can purchase and send as proof of insurance to the guest.
How to Prepare a Declaration of Commitment for a Visitor Visa?
By signing a declaration of commitment, you guarantee as the host that you will cover the applicant's costs incurred during the visit. This commitment includes a guarantee amount of 30,000 euros. For the declaration of commitment, you must appear in person at your city hall, where the registry office conducts a solvency check. Between the document review for the solvency check and the transmission of data to the Swiss foreign representation, it may take up to 20 business days. Plan generously for the processing time and check in advance with your local registry office about the documents required. The fee for the declaration of commitment is 60 Swiss francs.
AXA Insurance for Your Swiss Visitor Visa!
When applying for a visitor visa to Switzerland, you need Schengen visa health insurance. When submitting your visa application, you must provide proof of adequate insurance coverage. This is a crucial requirement for obtaining the Swiss Schengen visa! Schengen visa health insurance protects the destination countries from high costs that could arise if the foreign visitor needs emergency medical treatment during their stay. To avoid placing this financial burden on the destination country, it is mandatory to have Schengen health insurance for the duration of the stay.
AXA-Schengen offers three different Schengen health insurance plans that are tailored to the diverse needs of travelers. The most affordable option is the low-cost insurance, which provides the required minimum coverage of 30,000 euros for just 99 cents per travel day. For more comprehensive coverage, the Europe Travel insurance from AXA-Schengen may be the right choice for you. If you are a frequent traveler visiting family and friends in Switzerland multiple times a year, the AXA Schengen Multi Trip annual insurance offers suitable coverage!
Good to Know: AXA-Schengen travel insurance can also be purchased by the host on behalf of the visitor!
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FAQ: Swiss Visitor Visa
Where Can I Apply for a Swiss Visitor Visa?
If you are visiting family or friends in Switzerland, you can apply for a Swiss visitor visa either online or in person at a Swiss foreign representation in your country of residence.
What Does a Swiss Visitor Visa Cost?
The fees for a Schengen Visa Type C (also known as a short-stay visa) were increased in February 2020 and are now 80 euros for adults.
How Long Does It Take to Obtain a Swiss Visitor Visa?
The Schengen state foreign representations generally require up to 14 business days to decide on a visa application for a short-term stay. If you submit your application during peak travel times, waiting periods may apply.
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AXA Schengen's Travel Insurances
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AXA Schengen Europe Travel
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AXA Schengen Multi Trip
AXA Multi Trip is perfect to obtain your Schengen visa. This annual travel insurance is ideal for those who often travel to Europe as well as multiple-entry Schengen visa holders. You get the same guarantees as AXA Schengen Multi Trip for different countries during 90 days.